WINNIPEG – For the better part of the last five seasons the Winnipeg Jets relied heavily on Ondrej Pavelec between the pipes. But no longer, as the Jets turned the page on the Pavelec era by placing him on waivers for the purpose of sending him to the Manitoba Moose.
“They’re all aware of the potential outcomes, the possibilities.” said head coach Paul Maurice. “It was a real short, professional meeting. He handled it like a pro.”
It’s unlikely another team will take a gamble on Pavelec and his $4 million salary. But it’s still a bit of a risk for the Jets to part with their longtime starting goalie.
“Two good young goalies here that have both had blocks of time where they look like they have the ability to become number one guys.” said Maurice. “And they need that opportunity to show it and they’ll get it here with the two of them.”
“It’s part of the business. This time of year is never easy.” said Jets captain Blake Wheeler. “Obviously it’s kind of a tough day, been through a lot with Pavel (Pavelec), so hopefully he gets an opportunity and makes the most of it. He’s been a big part of our team and we’re definitely going to miss having him around.”
“I didn’t even realize it until we had a meeting and Pavs (Pavelec) wasn’t there.” said goalie Michael Hutchinson. “Obviously you feel for him. We were close friends and it’s always tough when it happens. So I’ll definitely check in and see how he’s doing. It’s unfortunate but management had to make a bunch of tough decisions.”
If Pavelec clears waivers, he’ll still be just one injury away from returning to the Jets. His demotion leaves Michael Hutchinson and Connor Hellebuyck as the last two goalies standing. The duo has just 97 games of NHL experience between them. And it appears at least to start the season they’ll use a rotation, as Maurice wasn’t prepared to name either of them as his new number one goalie.
“Whoever is in the net will be our number one goalie on any given night.” joked Maurice.
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“Since day one I’ve tried to work hard to try and instill confidence in my teammates and management.” said Hutchinson. “To have the confidence to give me games and let me play, and today is just another step in that direction. It’s nice to know that your hard work is kinda paying off.”
“I’m not satisfied yet.” said Hellebuyck. “I want to win a Stanley Cup and I think the team in here can do it.”
The move signals the Jets are prepared to go with a youth movement as four rookies survived their final cuts including Patrik Laine, Brandon Tanev, Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey.
“It’s definitely been an exciting morning for sure.” said Morrissey. “It’s something that I’ve dreamed of obviously. Having played in one game last year it was exciting but I think having the accomplishment of making the team out of training camp is something that I’ve always had as my goal.”
But making the team is the easy part, sticking in the NHL is another story with a number of NHL caliber players now on the Moose, ready and able if one of them falters.
WATCH: Jets reaction to Ondrej Pavelec being placed on waivers
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